Discover the fascinating stories, people and events that have shaped Melton Mowbray and the surrounding area. Our Local History Group welcomes anyone with an interest in exploring the rich heritage of our town and its neighbouring villages, whether you're a lifelong resident or simply curious to learn more.

At each meeting we welcome an enthusiastic guest speaker who shares their knowledge on a topic connected with local history. From notable people and historic buildings to forgotten stories and significant events, every talk offers an informative and enjoyable insight into our area's past.

Meetings are held monthly at St Mary's Place, with a small attendance fee to help cover speaker costs. The group does not meet in January, July, August or December.

If you enjoy discovering the history on your doorstep and meeting others who share your interest, we'd be delighted to welcome you to one of our meetings.

---

JULY 2026 Update

Brian Fare spoke at our last meeting before the summer break on the interesting topic of what Melton Mowbray residents got up to during the Second World War. For instance, there were many calls for towns and cities across Britain to fundraise for anything from tools, guns, and kit, to airplanes and warships. Melton Mowbray and its borough can be justifiably proud to say that it did its bit time and again. During the 1943 “Wings for Victory” week, Melton gained formal recognition for raising £292.597 - enough for seven new Lancaster bombers! Wow!
After a summer break the group will be back on Friday 11th September. Look out for further details in the September Newsletter.
In the meantime, we are looking for a couple more people to help run the Group, plus a few regular helpers to set up and clear away the meetings. We are about to lose one Group Leader, and another will be unavailable for most of the autumn period so we will be desperately short and, as a result, may have to cancel meetings without more help. If you are interested and would like further details, then please email your contact details to localhistory@u3ameltonmowbray.org.uk and we will get back to you.

---

2026 ANNUAL REPORT

The Group was formed in May 2025 with the aim of providing varied and informative talks on the history of Melton Mowbray and the surrounding area. Over the last year we have been entertained with Pork Pie Raising; handled guns and ammunition with Jed Jaggard during his talk on the real Dad’s Army; had a tasting of cheeses from Long Clawson Dairy; and been wowed generally by a variety of speakers on what the residents of Melton have been up to over the centuries. Last month we learnt from Brian Fare what amazing things Melton Mowbray residents did during the Second World War. Melton isn’t just about pork pies and Stilton Cheese! Our first meetings were in the British Legion but, due to the group’s popularity, we now meet in Mary’s Place on Burton Street. The room is larger and although upstairs, it is serviced by a lift. We meet on the second Friday of the month at 2.00 p.m. Meetings generally last an hour with a Q and A at the end. Meetings are open to all Melton Mowbray u3a members at a cost of £3 per person to cover room hire and speaker fees.
We are currently taking a summer break but will be back in September with a talk by Mathew Morris on “From Hunters to Farmers – the story of Prehistoric Leicestershire and Rutland”. Further details in September’s Newsletter.
We are currently looking for additional volunteers to help set out and clear chairs for the meetings and also have a vacancy for an additional Group Leader to share roles and provide additional cover to the existing team. If you are interested and want further information on what’s involved, please email: localhistory@u3ameltonmowbray.org.uk
We hope to see you all in September.
Debbie Adams, Geraldine Deverson and Brian Ellis

---